Amelia is one of the most popular baby names in the UK, ranked #2 in 2024. With 2,448 babies given this name, your child will likely be the only Amelia in their class — but in a school of 600, expect around ~1.3 others.
Origin & Meaning
Germanic — Work; industrious and striving
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UK Rank 2024
#2
US Rank #3
About the Name Amelia
Amelia is holding steady in the rankings at #2. It reached its peak of #1 in 2011 and has maintained consistent levels since — the hallmark of a name with lasting rather than trend-driven appeal. The name has been a consistent presence in UK records since 1996. It has spent 29 of the last 29 years inside the UK top 100 — a mark of enduring mainstream appeal.
Etymologically, Amelia comes from Germanic, where it means "Work; industrious and striving". Names with strong etymological stories tend to age well — they carry weight beyond fashion cycles.
Amelia is distinctive enough that your child will likely be the only one in both their class and their school — standing out on every register.
It ranks similarly in the US at #3, suggesting broad transatlantic appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the name Amelia
Probably not in their specific class, but possible. With around 2,448 UK babies named Amelia per year, your child will likely be the only Amelia in her class. In a school of 600, however, expect to find around ~1.3 others.
Amelia has held a stable position around #2 for several years. It reached its recorded peak of #1 in 2011 and has maintained consistent levels since — suggesting lasting rather than trend-driven appeal.
The name Amelia has Germanic origins and means "Work; industrious and striving". Names with clear etymological roots tend to age well — they carry weight beyond fashion cycles and give children a story to tell about their name.
Notable people named Amelia include: Amelia Kerr — Amelia Charlotte Kerr is a New Zealand cricketer and the captain of the New Zealand women's national team.; Amelia Vega — Amelia Patricia Vega Polanco is a Dominican actress, model, author, singer and beauty queen.; Amelia Shankley — Amelia Shankley is a British actress, the daughter of actor and singer Jeff Shankley..
Yes — Amelia is very popular in the United States, ranked #3 in 2024. It's a transatlantic favourite used widely on both sides of the Atlantic.
2,448
UK babies named Amelia (2024)
~0.1
Expected classmates with this name (class of 28)
~1.3
In a school of 600
→ Stable
Rank change (last 5 years)
🏫 Who else is in the room?
In a typical UK class of 28, highlighted children share the name Amelia
Likely around 1 other Amelia in the class
UK Popularity (1996–2024)
Rank and birth count · ONS official data
US Popularity (2020–2024)
Rank · SSA official data
✨ Similar names to Amelia
Names with a similar style — each with their own classroom story
Amelia Charlotte Kerr is a New Zealand cricketer and the captain of the New Zealand women's national team. She is the youngest female cricketer to score a double century in One Day International cricket and holds the record for the highest individual score in a women's One Day International match.
Amelia Patricia Vega Polanco is a Dominican actress, model, author, singer and beauty queen. At the age of 18, she won the Miss Universe 2003 pageant, becoming the first ever Miss Universe from the Dominican Republic, as well as the youngest winner since 1994.
Amelia Horne also known as Amy Haines and Amelia Bennett was a British memoir writer. She is known for her memoirs describing her experiences as a survivor of the Siege of Cawnpore during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, having been taken captive by a sowar during the Satichaura Ghat massacre, thereby avoiding the Bibighar massacre.
Amelia Cary, Viscountess Falkland, was a British noblewoman. She was born the fifth illegitimate daughter of William IV of the United Kingdom (then Duke of Clarence and St Andrews) by his long-time mistress Dorothea Jordan.